1st Drive Honda Civic Type R - Best Hot hatch on sale today! New 2023 FL5 | 4K

[@philiphawkins4684]

Prices have got ridiculous, couple of years ago £25-30k for a hot hatch was the going rate. Today it's £40-50k. Wages haven't increased by the same amount.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

Most now fall into the 45-55k category - with interest rates on the rise, the monthlies are cars such as these are ridiculous

[@santoshrathod123]

Welcome to an inflationary environment. Days of cheapish cars are over.

[@93455Driver]

Mark ups on Type R's in the US are nuts, dealers are being stealers.

[@Jim-jw8gb]

@@santoshrathod123 just look at car prices over the last 20 years. I bought a focus RS new for 20k in 2003, a similar hot hatch is costing double that. That’s inflation and then some! Cars used to be affordable in that a loan over 3-5 years and you’d own it, now it’s PCP for 3-4 years and never own it unless you want to refinance the balloon payment for another 3-4 years!

[@samwilde595]

A lot of this is down to financing I think too, people don’t buy anymore they lease or loan. As long as the monthly is ok that’s often what matters. Means they can hike prices

[@newbwheeler9777]

The fact that it’s your first experience in a Honda and it put such a smile on your face speaks volumes for how good this car is. Sure on the surface it seems pricey but given the fact that is going to be the last ICE Civic Type R and the limited availability, I think in the future looking back people will be saying I should have grabbed one when I had the chance too.

[@aircommandslipperz]

pricey but it holds price well..u can sell it and get your money back

[@jamescollins408]

Honda are playing their customers.

[@hpman911]

Interested in your comment re limited availability. Do you know how much production is coming to the UK ?

[@StrongerThanEver84]

@@hpman911 i heard EXTREMELY limited availability in that area. Like not even 1000. Could have been misinformed but thats what I read somewhere. I know Canada is only getting about 550 for the first 3 years

[@final_mile_music9713]

Oh look, a nice small screen that doesn’t dominate the cabin. 👏

[@Bovi911]

Great to hear you mention how incredible the gearbox is Joe. I’ve been telling people for years that Honda gearboxes are sublime. The first time I drove a 911 I was amazed that the shift wasn’t as good as my old ep3 type R. Hope you get to drive the FL5 again in dry weather - they really are special cars.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Wish my M2 box felt that good 🙌

[@lollypop9580]

@@JoeAchilles1 Try s2000 gearbox. 😍😉

[@lollypop9580]

@@Lemingtona-x5g And he drives an Alpine as a daily. 👍

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

@@lollypop9580 yeah used to have an nsx when developing the f1

[@celliott16]

Spot on 👍🏻 makes other gearbox's, I'd say from any manufacturer at any price point, feel very lacking.

[@ShogunsDojo]

The new FL5 is really exciting. I think it looks far better now and also I think that the fact you can use it for shopping for backroad blasts as well as on track means it’s an extremely versatile car. Anyway, I’m looking forward to more tank reviews this year Joe. Great work.

[@scottmuir2385]

Great to see you accross multiple brands and platforms Mate - long time subscriber and to see you achieving what you are is brilliant! Fully appreciate your unbiased views & honest delivery to camera! Quality Joe!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks Scott! I was delighted to be invited by Honda, turned out to be a brilliant car too 👌 Still had someone in the comments saying I'm biased towards German cars 🤣 Haters will be haters I guess. Appreciate your long term support 🙏

[@scottmuir2385]

@@JoeAchilles1 - Mate what ever - your content is quality Mate so just be you! As an Australian living in the UK, actually it’s not surprising to have a bias towards European manufacturers, fact is the pricing of Japanese vehicles comparative to a German vehicle is significantly increased. I have a 2019 F82 CP as my daily driver, which I paid £41k for in 2020 (and she is loaded)….. if I bought that in OZ, was almost double the price - same thing happens for Japanese cars here, they are indexed up Vs Asia given the transport, duties and relative low volumes sold. Not surprising for anyone in the UK/Europe to have a slant on opinion. This is a fact.

[@Libelularoja]

去年の8月末にFL5の注文をしました（日本在住）。4年待ちと言われました😊。海外の評価も高く、納車されるのを非常に楽しみにしています。

[@anassyazwi1779]

You know that honda engineers doing some great aerodynamic works. Love to see the water flows on the driver side mirror.

[@nickwong2525]

If you ever get to drive the FD2 Civic Type R, which is the first 4 door Civic Type R, it is such an amazing car and it is the last naturally aspirated Type R. It was only available in Japan and Malaysia.

[@Bmontepeque11]

Long Live Honda! Even if I was a millionaire with like my Lambos and stuff, I would still buy a Civic Type R because they are so, so great ❤️ Glad to see you make a video on it! 🙌🏻

[@chrisginoc]

Glad you drove a Honda. I'm a BMW fan but grew up with Hondas. This Type R is nice. A little pricey but would be good comparison versus the GR Yaris or GR Corolla (U.S.).

[@biseruk]

Honda are phenomenal brad, reliable,fun, beautiful, comfortable, everything screaming Sport and Quality!!! Happy to own few-never let me down!! Never,!!

[@stormking1973]

Definitely will be getting High-Profile tyres and small Wheels combo with this car.

[@TheJj2007]

Great video and humor, Joe, thank you! Best line is "I haven't had time to heel and toe because I've got other things to look out for like tanks."

[@CarObsession]

Good to hear your thoughts on this; I'll be chucked the key to one in May and I can't wait!

[@global_nomad.]

The idea that a successful youtuber car channel hasn't driven a Honda at all* let alone type R is a big surprise.....its good to discover new things.

[@JoeAchilles1]

It's amazing how many manufacturers aren't interested, I was delighted to hear from Honda and finally pop.y Type R cheery 👌

[@tsvetomirpenev9164]

I was dreaming for an Audi or a BMW but then I drove an Accord for the first time and like the last 10 yeas I'm always choosing Honda because even the 6th gen with 90bhp is still fun to drive. Great review, can't wait to get one in a year or 2.

[@edwardleigh-firbank7835]

Great to see you in the type r. Hope you get the chance to have one for a few days at some stage. Honda have always made special cars. I used to have S2000's,type r's over the years before moving on to bmw.They have given me some great times . A manufacturer with legendary racing pedigree and heritage.

[@clustrone]

Haha, I am dying over you mixing up the corners and going super deep at the end. I am lucky enough to own an FL5. Picked up a boost blue 2 months ago. Every day is a driving day unless something stops me. The days when I don't get to drive this car are frustrating days. It is quite a thing.

[@BigBear--]

I also picked up the FL5 in Boost Blue. I love the paint quality this time around. It's a big improvement over previous generations. It's more like a euro paint job, than previous Japanese softer paints. And the color is sick, it looks slightly different shades of blue depending on the lighting...and works well with the red and black highlights and interior. I had a 2020 Civic Si in Platinum White, and like the white on thay more than the Championship White. The Platinum White had some metal flake in it giving it a more pearlescent effect...the Championship White looks really flat...and almost dirty...like it's got oil residue or tar all over. Not my favorite white by far...But the Boost Blue is awesome.

[@recursion.]

Lucky mfers

[@johnbrown3951]

I nearly bought a 2nd Gen Type R Special Edition but instead plumped for a Freelander as I love my country sports and lived on the west coast of Scotland. I drove an Accord at the time but after selling the Freelander I have owned most of the hot hatches and last Friday bought the 1.5 Turbo sport plus Civic in red after your friend Mr Grieves highly recommended it on his channel. That car might have been a cheaper alternative to our i-Pace but maybe its a bit slow and we do rely on AWD when it snows on the way to the N.East of Scotland to visit family. The car on the film looks good and slightly toned down but I would prefer the previous Gen as I am still a big Kid at heart who loves an Escort Cosworth and its spoiler and was lucky enough to drive one at speed many years ago.

[@terryo5672]

One of my early cars was a Honda. What I remember most is doing a 120k miles and not spending a penny other that normal servicing.

[@DamoDrives]

Fantastic getting in with another brand 🤜 new challenge learning about a complete different manufacturer.

[@washout04]

Brilliant review Joe. Great to see the channel going from Strength to strength. In Australia it is priced slightly cheaper than the Golf R, S3 etc so I’ve put my money down. Hopefully I’ve made a good choice without having driven it first. Your review helped a lot though as I was concerned about ride quality.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you! Sounds like it's definitely the one to go for down under 👌

[@Octocoupler]

All the good reviews are coming out for this special car, selling for more than they retail I hear. I'd f'ing love one!!

[@Dan_AYP]

Remember when civics were the bargain hot hatch with brilliant build quality... Now they're mega bucks but everyone still wants one

[@scottrenton636]

What a shocker! I’m sure i remember watching a Jonny Smith launch vid of this car and what stuck with me was the predicted price, whcih i’m sure at the time they thought was going to be in the mid 30s. When I saw this first drive pop up I was straight on it…. and then the bombshell…..lol

[@Alexcann1]

Brilliant content and so refreshing to hear your positive views on another brand....we all know your favourite!

[@taklebury]

I'll stick with my FK8, it's more my style and the performance hasn't changed enough to warrant the expensive side step to a more adult looking car. But good review, if you get the chance get both on a dry track and have fun.

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

This thing comes last in every drag race against other cars even the 1.6 carolla gr

[@celliott16]

Yet first where it counts, on track. The last thing a type r is about is a drag race 🙈

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

@@celliott16 it only counts on track if you enter races

[@celliott16]

@@Lemingtona-x5g not really, most of the road I drove are twisty back roads, where this car shines.

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

@@celliott16 your driveway is twisty? this cars over priced fwd cheapness

[@R8andGT3Fan]

Great to see you in a Honda! Don't fully understand the pricing but I can't help but loving that car...

[@-LK34-]

That price is crazy for a fwd honda

[@bigboost2641]

Are you a convert now Joe? Fantastic hot hatch, I previously owned the EP3, FK2 and FK8 but choked at the price of nearly £50k on the road!! That aside, it’s a fantastic end to Hondas last petrol Type R ever!

[@jm9371]

What fun! Good to see you in something new.

[@broadkamikaze]

Looks alot better and more subtle imo.. Water flowing on drivers side window looks odd. Would love to see you do a review of all the Type R's through the years 👍

[@ninja636stunta]

Did the car feel too stiff in comfort mode? Or too bouncy?

[@paulie2476]

I would like to see how the Type R compares to the competitors you named ,such as the Audi S3 and BMW M135i, on the track. Yes the Euro's are quicker from traffic light to traffic light but what about a track ?

[@Dav1072]

Fantastic review mate, you need to do a mini review of my fk8 driving through your favourite road from Wantage to Newbury and stop at podium place!

[@andrewsmith7636]

Honda have definitely got this design right, my step dad has the 2ltr petrol hybrid and that to me is the best value for money (sport) like you said the type R bit pricey when you look at bmw and Audi, but over all well done Honda 👏

[@skullft7731]

This really is like a FWD practical *Cheaper* GT3 in the sense that I’ve not read/watched a bad review on it! The price is crazy thought still and that was just with me knowing it’s base price, then you said the prices of the competition which were all lower 😳

[@sirdavidnorth]

Just days after UK announced more tanks for Ukraine - good to see they're making haste towards the front line! I'm third in line for a Type R at my Honda dealership, hoping they're making just as valiant efforts to get me the keys in the coming weeks 🤞. Great video but gutted Honda didn't get a dry day for the press event. Hope they throw you the keys to a press car soon!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha yes that tank was heading somewhere fast 😂 Glad to hear you're getting one mate, lovely bit of kit, keen to see how you get on 👌

[@387914202]

do love the fl5 apart from the color champ white will always be the heritage color imo

[@peterwatson9047]

Making me want to do another track day at Thruxton. Probably my nearest proper circuit as well. And that civic ticks a lot of boxes for me.

[@markmahood3093]

Looks far better than the last one, but the price!!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Agreed and... Agreed 😬

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

Prefer the FK8, that looked like a CTR should, the FL5 looks like a Civic with bits on. As for the price - I think we can all agree on that

[@user-xh3wr1do7k]

.....but by the time you take into account how much kit is standard on it, it evens things out - and just for the driving experience alone, it's worth that money. These things will sell well - especially as it's a dying breed - an analogue hot hatch that has a manual gearbox before we have the (short sighted) curse of electric milk floats forced on us by the clowns in Brussels and Westminster.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@x all new cars have kit! For 50k it doesn't stand up favourably against the other options

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@Volkan I disagree - the Civic is well, just a Civic. They've taken the 5 door Civic, added some spice and ramped the price up, not really that special is it. Guessing you are in Australia, as you refer to a 40k and 65k version - the only one worth having was the 65k version and at that price it's a bargain. In the UK the CTR is 48k vs GR at 34k

[@rickywong6811]

We sure do need a review on a dry day joe. Thanks

[@m2sj438]

I have no doubt this is an excellent car. These are touring racers out the box with sublime handling. I note your critique for the fk8 but although it stood out as a racer, there was no hiding it's intended use. This version feels dumbed down(looks) and enlarged to suit a bigger market. Except they've upped the price significantly!? If you want a touring car out the box then buy an fk8. If you aspire to buy a nice Hertz rental lookalike with the ability to go to the track and can afford the extra 20k then buy this. Easy!

[@darrenturner4352]

I had the previous version and the gearbox lasted 4,300 miles of road use, let’s hope they are more robust.

[@madpistol]

If the hardcore BMW guy has a smile on his face in a Civic Type-R, you know it's good.

[@DWI_Community]

We all need to appreciate a car that makes you giggle 😁

[@andywaterfall]

Can’t get enough of Joe today 😂

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha legend! Thanks for all your help mate ❤️

[@andywaterfall]

Anytime buddy, love to Lou - and good luck!

[@pjmoody]

Another detailed review Joe. Thanks for sharing.

[@damienhowell3727]

Amazing price for such a fantastic car, not sure what the complaints are about considering renault priced their hottest hatch at 60 grand, nobody complained about that record breaking achievement and that's slower than the honda too with 2 less seats. A truly great job by honda

[@samwilde595]

Would you say this is 25k more car than the previous one? I have an fk2 and for 30k more I don’t see how it can be worth that much more.

[@neilmcmahon]

I bought a brand new EP3 in 2002 for E33,000 after Irish taxes which, if I remember was £17,000 in the UK. Find it hard to believe that this latest one is at least $47k

[@Ricky26uk]

Still not sure on the exterior but the interior looks pretty good to be honest and I've never own or driven a type r but heard rave reviews about them. And now I feel the need to drive one. Great video joe.

[@ThrottleBody]

It’s worth it imo. Badge snobbery will stop people buying a car that is better than all the competition. As Joe rightly said, it’s all about the monthlies, and they are competitive. You also get more car and kit than all of the it’s rivals.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

Have you seen the monthlies?

[@ThrottleBody]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 yes, compared to rivals and how much better it will hold its value the prices monthlies are fair enough. Especially considering that it is a brand new car. They will only get more competitive in time.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@ThrottleBody prices and deals won't become more competitive - 500 p/m with 11k down is not competitive, 56k all in come the end of the agreement

[@ThrottleBody]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 haven’t seen anything like those figures. If anyone goes for those figures then that’s their stupid call. There are plenty of deals better than that with very little looking.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@ThrottleBody what "deals" have you seen out there?

[@Kelveron]

Cracking hot hatch, but nearly £50k though!! Regarding the road noise point, I test drove the basic Civic (the hybrid version) and it's a nice car, quite refined, except for the road noise, which was more than I expected. I think it's one of the new Civic's very few weak points.....though probably not quite as bad as that tank's! 🤣

[@JoeAchilles1]

Ahh that's interesting to hear, bet it's more of a UK issue due to our poor roads....

[@Jmarzx]

@@JoeAchilles1 noo nooo mine is like that also 2020 civic si . Has weird noises sometimes .

[@vigneshie]

It wouldn't be a Honda if didn't have some excess road noise.

[@DC5dotty]

Worth mentioning that only one car was issued per dealership in the first batch and some dealers have 15 deposits down ..! Apparently only 2 more batches for the uk in 2023 and Honda have for the time being watered down production of them in Japan.

[@Adam-M1]

Joe in a Honda. Amazing.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha that's what I thought when they invited me 👌

[@chrisginoc]

@@JoeAchilles1 The power of social media. Honda knows.

[@randmtsk7512]

Nice car. Nice review. Is the alcantarra wheel an EU only option?

[@coltoncleveringa8004]

The tank was epic

[@quantum_immortality]

Being a Pluviophile, the "On the road" segment was quite a delight 😌👌🏾

[@philc1773]

Great video. Honda and BMW have always been my go to manufacturers for performance and driving enjoyment. The price is an issue but build quality and reliability should be second to none. The Civic Type R or a used M240i? What would you do?

[@doublerfanatic5641]

Actually great to see you branching out from continental cars to other make. Would like to see your comment how it fair against your M2C (gear box, fun factor, handling etc) as my M2C is currently on its way from Japan as I have high expectations on it after watching so much of your videos.

[@paulcs2607]

… especially because the Honda cost more than the last M2C

[@stevehines5256]

The first year road tax is £2300 of the RRP as the price is in the £40,000 and above extra high road tax bracket. This also means an additional £320 road tax premium on top of the basic road tax cost for 6 years. I think that is a lot of extra cost annual running cost compared with the previous generation. However, if you have the £££ it seems a great car and I’d still buy one!!

[@PeakPerformanceReviews]

I strangely prefer the look of the FK8, no doubt the interior is better on this and I hear the same as you said about the steering on the FK8 being better. Looking forward to soon finally getting a chance to drive one myself. Having owned an FK8 it’ll be hard to be (aside from the motor expiring only after 15k miles and it being a year and a half old) as good but I’m in no doubt overall it will be. But yeah …. That price …. Ouch.

[@3rayallen]

Sigh some people will never be satisfied. First you complain about the Fk8 now you say it looks better. Just drive a boring corolla then.

[@PeakPerformanceReviews]

@@3rayallen I didn’t complain about the FK8 🤣 and where I’m i complaining about this? 🤯😂

[@davidbillberg2203]

I really like the look of it !

[@PaulSterrett]

Stunning car, enormous want - especially as a former FK2 owner which I still regret selling 4 years on - and think Honda have made a less polarising and better-looking car with the FL5, but the price-point and likely available numbers is gutting... For me, it's £10k over-priced and not enough coming to UK shores, but one I'll be watching out for in AutoTrader classifieds in 2-3 years...

[@backnu]

Can you turn off the fake engine noise ? It’s about as bad as the noise in the newer generation 370z and GTR.

[@_Ryphon]

Seeing as you are branching out into Hondas, any chance you could review that tank next??

[@Jim-jw8gb]

I had a type R EP3 and with an air intake sounded amazing. I feel this is a very good sort of track/drivers car but that price point is very high, and I guess you could argue it’s not as good as it’s rivals in terms of not having all wheel drive. It would be a pass from me at that price, if it was lower than it’s rivals then it might be more desirable to me, that said it’s apparently sold out for 2023!

[@SundayRacers]

Tanks for such a great video, Joe

[@hughmcneillie1032]

I would have considered trading in my FK8 Type R for the FL5 but that price jump between models is prohibitive. To be honest I would miss the FK8 too much. Great all rounder.

[@simbo52bn22]

Ooh - a blue one! (I'm easily pleased on a Sunday)

[@isaiahexile]

Any advice on buying one of these? I've never bought a new car from a dealership and I'm sitting on a good chunk of change. I've looked far into this car and I think its the one I want above all else, but don't know ANYTHING about buying a new car, and these have ridiculous markups and are highly sought after. How could I secure one of these?

[@jezavison663]

The new type r is certainly growing on me, but here’s a question for you, currently considering chopping my a35 in for a fk8 type r, am I mad?

[@R2JD2]

I’ve always been a huge hot hatch fan, but the prices of new hot hatches and/or hot versions of regular cars is becoming too much. Like you say, most people finance these cars (including myself on my current 128ti) but the monthlies are approaching half my mortgage payment, especially if I want to step up to one of these or an M135i/M240i/S3/A35. My 128ti will probably be the last new car I finance and I’ll go back to hunting for a fun second hand quick hot hatch-probably an M140i.

[@hpman911]

Try a Hyundai i20N, inexpensive great drivers car !

[@TheHutchRuns]

When are you test driving the tank then Joe?

[@ashleychambers7602]

Honda make fabulous cars and I’ve owned civics for 25 yrs. I prefer the last model if I’m honest and why can’t Honda let you choose a different colour interior?? because that red interior ruins it for me. Great video 👍

Can’t wait to get my hands on that car!!!

[@nosutv2893]

correct this is not looking prop hot hatch shame the don't have fastback and hatch like i30n

[@willotoole4118]

I'm a fan of the FL5

[@jeebus2121]

When did the term "hot hatch" get extended to full-size sedans that happen to have a hatch rear opening? Seems like a stretch.

[@fale892]

Hatches do come in 4 doors after all 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@fastrider158]

Hi Mate, lovely Vid. I was wandering which would be the better car, this type R or the VZ5 you tried the other day? Would love to hear your thoughts on that, cause I’m wondering which one should I get as a daily. My M2c stays with me as a fun car ;) thanks and cheers!

[@murraygordon]

Great vid and great to see you flagging finance payment comparison. I keep looking at these - now the biggest (fun) manual you get in the UK. For a 1 car house - worth ditching the 3/5 series to get the manual?

[@rob20452]

It doesn't matter, the price I think is great in white, absolutely love it proper beautiful to me ,.🤩

[@NCLme]

I’ve always wanted Honda and Porsche as a duo to either development a relationship to manufacture a transmission for the TypeR Utilizing the Germans AWD system from the 911 - but honda may have it’s own reason why AWD may not be for the future but I beg the differ and believe this could possibly push honda further into the future with a co-development with the Germans for a new AWD system for the TypeR without compromising its agility. Ya been thinking about this for years now 😅😅😅

[@michaelsangster5673]

I own the new FL5 in New Zealand. Its cheaper than the Golf R over here, still expensive though. Great video Joe, hope you get to drive it again when its dry.

[@everymangamer1608]

Hey mate congrats! You must have been in the first allocation which was a 120 car lottery? Which part of the country?

[@michaelsangster5673]

@@everymangamer1608 Hey mate, Christchurch, mine was apparently thr first in South Island, beyond happy with it.

[@everymangamer1608]

@@michaelsangster5673 that's epic mate, great stuff. Yeah I've got a while to wait but good to see them slowly filtering in.

[@michaelsangster5673]

@@everymangamer1608 its worth the wait, trust me.

[@escos0410]

I’ve got a 2021 gti cs Seen me of these in chipping Norton where I live and must admit it’s a looker But is it worth that extra 12k to spec it to what we’ve got? No tracks going to Aldi and pets are us lol 😂

[@fhowland]

Just wish the engine sounded better and more like a Honda

[@ericvermeulen9853]

Imagine this car being 4wd☝🏻😍😍

[@Simon-cd2ic]

This or GR Yaris for fun of drive?

[@hpman911]

Try getting into the back of a GR Yaris or looking out of the rear window in the wet as there is no rear wiper!

[@Simon-cd2ic]

@@hpman911 I drive a car. Doesnt metter the rest. Only pure fun of drive.

[@Daveodaddeo101]

That was a Warrior, not a tank 😄 Sorry, couldn't resist.

[@jordano3088]

The accord type R isn't worth it imo. Performance wise it's great but it lacks soul. Sounds the worst compared to it's competitors too and it's the most expensive option. Interiors cool though.

[@markdean3217]

I prefer the look of the FK8 ❗️

[@MattHealey.]

Great video as always Joe but 50k is taking the piss. Expecting to shot down by “real drivers” but a dct evo should be offered

[@paulwardzynski3265]

Joe, great review; your comment about an overdrive gear is so true, imagine a nice high ratio(s) when you are on the motorway when you don't need the performance but need the economy?

[@Loopsrainforest]

I think I speak for everyone when I say we expect you to review a tank this year 😆

[@DC5dotty]

Honda ftw !

[@JoeAchilles1]

Brilliant car

[@DavidC1]

it does look good

[@JonathanPerez-mk3hp]

How much you pay for it?